The Newsletter of the Southwest Florida Section, MBCA. A shiny new CLA250 with a big red bow perched on its top told us This is the place!

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1 The Newsletter of the Southwest Florida Section, MBCA Issue No. 1 January/February 2014 New Years Wishes from SWFL MBCA VP/Treasurer Glen Sholl, Secretary Anne, and President Tom Harruff! Harruff Selected A shiny new CLA250 with a big red bow perched on its top told us This is the place! In This Issue Issue:: Christmas Party 1 President s Column 2 Officers and Directors 2 New and Renewing Members 3 Editorial 3 Amelia Island Concours 4 Holiday Party 2013 Memories 6 Ladies of Mercedes Afternoon Tea at the Ritz 7 Okeechobee Locks Tour report 8 Classified & more 11 Calendar of Coming Events 12 The SWFL Annual Holiday Party, held this year at the Olde Cypress Country Club in Naples, saw 107 partakers enjoying each other s company, excellent cuisine, and a namedrawing for a plethora of gifts from Santa s bag. Glen Sholl, Anne Harruff, Linda Cozza and helpers applied expertise to not only arrange for the use of the club, but to appoint the dining room appropriately Star-struck. More party photos on page 6. Sunshine Star More Than a Car Club. We re a Community! Certainly one of the highlights at the SWFL Holiday party was Southeast Regional Director Scott Suits announcing the selection of SWFL President Tom Harruff as Southeast Region Officer of the Year. A splendid round of applause and an engraved plaque were given in appreciation of Tom s tireless enthusiasm! Monthly Breakfast Meetings Ft. Myers area... Mimi s Café 2nd Saturday of most months. Next Meetings - Jan. 11, Feb. 8 Naples area... Perkins on Pine Ridge 4th Saturday of most months. Next meetings - Jan. 25, Feb. 22 *(Club mugs still available from MBCA.org Store) Southwest Florida Section MBCA January/February

2 Presidential Perspective reetings to all and welcome to our 20 new members G since our last newsletter. Our Section membership currently stands at 353 members (as of ), up 10 members since our last newsletter. Please keep up the good work and renew your individual effort to bring in at least one new member this year! If you are happy with your Section, your Section activities, and the benefits of MBCA membership, you will be our best spokesman for recruiting new Club members. Don t be bashful when you see another Mercedes-Benz owner, ask if they are MBCA members, and if not hand them an application. Be sure to check out our SWFL Section Web Site at: Lots of Section content. Also please check out our very own SWFL Section Facebook Page at: Club-of-America/ Log in - see what we have to offer for Facebook members. Like us, please! 2014 is starting as a very busy year. There are two Ladies of Mercedes events, a Tour and Lunch at the Baker Museum at Artis-Naples on Jan 25th. We still need a few ladies and gentlemen to sign up to get a docent guided tour. Then on Feb 22 nd is a Ladies of Mercedes Afternoon Tea at the Napes Ritz Carlton Beach Resort. See the flyers in this newsletter for more details. The Amelia Island Concours event will see a number of SWFL members attending March 7-9. A SWFL Section dinner is planned for Friday night and the Peachtree Section has a dinner on Saturday night that is open for our attendance but you must pre-register and pre-pay for that event. Again details are in the flyer in this newsletter. Finally on March 29 th there is a SE Region of MBCA event scheduled for all seven Sections in the MBCA SE Region. The event includes a tour of the Collier Collection, although our SWFL allocation is limited initially to 21 tour participants. It will be followed by a box lunch at Jack s River Bar and then by a Tech Session at M-B of Naples. That evening a dinner event is scheduled at The Club at Olde Cypress. Those SWFL Section members attending the Collier Collection Tour and any others are encouraged to attend the luncheon at Jacks, the Tech Session at M-B of Naples and the evening dinner to meet and participate with the other Section members from around Florida who are attending. See you there! Tom Harruff, President, SWFL Section MBCA OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS: President: Tom Harruff tharruff1813@comcast.net Vice President/Treasurer: Glen Sholl gsholl@comcast.net Secretary: Anne Harruff AnneHarruff@comcast.net Membership Chair: Tom Harruff tharruff1813@comcast.net Section Directors: The Officers named above, and Chet Young chetyoung30@gmail.com John Meyer johnmeyersr@hotmail.com Ron Cordeau roncor@hotmail.com Thomas Starrett tomstarr74@comcast.net Southeast Regional Director: Scott Suits Suits@ij.net Sunshine Star Publisher: Tom Harruff 1943 Empress Ct., Naples, FL tharruff1813@comcast.net Newsletter Editor/Director: Jerry Kinderman editor.swflmbca@yahoo.com Webmaster/Director: Peter Blackford priuspete@gmail.com Facebook: Mario Puente mpuente-benz@hotmail.com The Southwest Florida Section Sunshine Star newsletter is published on odd-numbered months. It is mailed electronically or via post to all members of the Section, appropriate members of other Sections, MBCA executives and our valued advertisers. All copy for inclusion should be received no later than the first of any even-numbered month. Any technical tips, automotive experiences or interesting items relating to Mercedes-Benz are encouraged and welcome. Members may advertise to buy or sell, free of charge, any personal Mercedes-Benz auto, part or accessory. All insertions in the Sunshine Star are the opinions and statements of the writers, advertisers, etc., and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this Section or MBCA. Call concerning commercial advertising rates. No authentication is given or implied as to the validity of any expressed opinion or statement. Questions? Call your Section Officer at , or our National Business Office at M-F 8am-5pm MT. Or visit Sunshine Star Southwest Florida Section MBCA January/February

3 ELCOME TO 20 NEW MEMBERS AND 6 NEW ASSOCIATES TO THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SECTION, MBCA! W Luis Alvarado, Vincent Amarando, Paula Bannister, Sonia Boodman, Edwin & Anita Brust, Margaret Campbell, John & Penny Holmes, John & Angela Jerse, Benjamin Kiesinger, Vachel Pennebaker, Tom Pilitowski, George Rfauenswinter, Robert & Milagros Scainetti, Donald & Janet Schalk, Donald Schweiger, Peter Shapleigh, Pete Stiles, Jay Teutenberg, Lonnie & Millie Tillery, and Robin Walker-Faircloth - We re glad you ve joined us! And Thank You to our 33 Renewed Members and 15 Associates for your continuing MBCA Membership. SWFL is now at 353 members as of 12/31/13, our largest ever, including 38 members with dual section memberships. Your positive experience with the MBCA and the SWFL Section makes you our front line membership recruiter along with those who come to us through the MBCA National Business Office or find our Breakfast Meetings listed in several of the areas local newspapers. Help SWFL continue to expand and make a new friend by recruiting an additional new member. Contact a neighbor or friend and bring them to a Breakfast Meeting - that will usually seal the deal! Editorially No doubt 2013 was interesting and fun for the members of SWFL MBCA. Our diverse group with the Benz denominator came together for everything from off- Broadway shows, art museums, tours of castles and waterway locks. Cool! During the year I was pleased to be Editor of the Section s bi-monthly newsletter, the Sunshine Star. Sometimes challenging, occasionally chaotic, mostly entertaining, always gratifying. To have our newsletter chosen by the National Business Office of MBCA as the best ed Section newsletter of 2013 was a surprise and delight. But it wouldn t happen if our Section wasn t everything it is. We all know President Tom Harruff s continuous and contagious enthusiasm for the club is remarkable. And now, selected as the Southeast Region Officer of the Year, Tom has a neat plaque to attest to it! Thank you, Tom! Lastly, I am humbled by having been selected SWFL Section Member of the Year. Characteristically, I am at a loss for words. Thank you to those responsible for this honor, and for the plaque to attest to it! All the best to you and yours in the New Year! Jerry Kinderman, Editor Sunshine Star Southwest Florida Section MBCA January/February

4 here is an enthusiastic T response for the Amelia Island weekend, and this summary will serve as a "last call" for those who may be interested since it's our last Sunshine Star you'll receive before the event. Plans are to drive up on Friday morning, March 7th. Some have expressed an interest in forming a caravan so if that is your wish, please advise and we'll see what we can do to plan a fun-yet-expedient route. Our 'official' hotel is the Hampton Inn in Kingsland, GA (actually closer to Amelia than if we stayed in Jacksonville - and as of December 28th, a few rooms were still available). Please use the regular reservation system - no special code/block is set up. The afternoon will be spent exploring Amelia Island, and possibly previewing some of the auction cars present. Of course, some may also be tempted into attending the auction that evening. We have arranged for a predinner Carriage to collect you at the Crab Trap just before five PM which will allow you to "park once", enjoy some of the area's rich history, then arrive back at the restaurant just in time for the 5:30 pm start of the dinner. There will be a maximum of eight seats available. Photo: Rashba.com Cost will be $15pp (plus voluntary gratuity), cash or check only when you board. Reservations on a first-come basis. Saturday evening s dinner at the Crab Trap is a great way to meet folks from about twelve Sections in the southeastern states and further afield. This event has grown from a back room to now occupying the entire upper floor of the Crab Trap. Space is still limited, so advance paid registration is required -- please use the form provided below, and do reserve early. Or via internet Registration For the evening of Friday, March 7, we have reserved a private dining room at which can accommodate up to 30. This should work well for our group as well as any guests. The menu of this locally-owned restaurant is varied, reviews are good, and prices are reasonable. It is located just a couple of miles from our Kingsland, GA hotel. Please advise me, Peter, if you wish to join us, so we can plan accordingly. There will be additional seating outside the private room if needed. Saturday we will attend the "Cars & Coffee" event, with a few of our members participating on the field while the rest of us enjoy spectating. MBCA (thanks to Eastern Region Director Bill Hopper) has been allocated thirty spots on the field, so the average number "per participating Section" is expected to be limited. The morning seminar is always interesting, for those who wish a more sedentary pastime. Saturday afternoon, in addition to more pre-auction spectating (yes, another one coming up that evening), there will be opportunities for a carriage tour of the historic area of Fernandina Beach. Sunday brings us to the "main event" - the Amelia Island Concours, organized by Bill Warner, is widely recognized as one of the top such events in the US. It is highly recommended that tickets be purchased in advance (and at a 25% discount) via their web site The full schedule, including seminars Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, is also found there. After a day "on the field", we plan to begin the drive homeward with a short segment only as far as St.Augustine, and complete the trip in a leisurely manner on Monday. If this plan is attractive to others, we'll be staying on Vilano Beach where we know a casual beach restaurant within walking distance of the Inn. The Amelia Concours is an event that "everyone should do at least once", but you may well enjoy it enough to return in future years, as many do. Please contact me for any questions or suggestions: Peter Blackford priuspete@gmail.com Sunshine Star Southwest Florida Section MBCA January/February

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7 The Southwest Florida Section, Mercedes Benz Club of America Proudly Announces a Ladies of Mercedes Event On Saturday February 22, 2014 we will enjoy our third annual Ladies of Mercedes event at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Naples, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, FL - Afternoon Tea in their Lobby Lounge especially for the ladies of our Section and their friends. The Afternoon Tea is an event that has been one of the traditions of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Naples since they opened. It is an event that is steeped in tradition, one that all will enjoy, and take with them as a treasured memory. This year we will see the results of the changes that took place this past summer as the hotel was closed for several months for a complete renovation. We have reserved space at the Afternoon Tea at 2:30-4:30 on Saturday, February 22, We need feedback from our ladies as to how many members and friends would like to participate in the Afternoon Tea event. Gentlemen may accompany their Lady, and they will have lunch at the Ritz s Poolside Café. The cost for the Afternoon Tea is as follows: Afternoon Tea, Royal Classic - $57.24 (includes tax and gratuity) Please contact Anne Harruff at or by to anneharruff@comcast.net to confirm reservations a soon as possible so that we can confirm our date and numbers to attend our annual Ladies of Mercedes Afternoon Tea at the Ritz! A Credit Card Authorization form must be filled out, signed and brought with you to the tea. Reservations are required to be confirmed to Anne Harruff by February 15 th. Sunshine Star Southwest Florida Section MBCA January/February

8 W hat a great time we had on Saturday Nov.16th as our group of 70 members and 33 cars of the Southwest Florida Section went on a 70 mile jaunt through what Old Florida must have been like. Miles of orange groves and cane fields as far as the eye could see. These are the best events, where you get to catch up with old friends, make new ones and share in the family that is the MBCA. Jorge and Orte Gil We visited two of five locks that control boat traffic to and from Lake Okeechobee. While we didn t catch any boats crossing, we did see a couple of boats crossing the swing bridge at Ft. Denaud, one of the few swing bridges left in Florida. Our final destination was the Roland Martin Marina in Clewiston for lunch on the shores of Lake O. Even though the skies were gray and we dodged a few rain drops, everyone had a great time. Photos: Mario Puente and Jerry Kinderman Sunshine Star Southwest Florida Section MBCA January/February

9 Accessories Sunshine Star Southwest Florida Section MBCA January/February

10 December 28, The final Perkins breakfast meeting of the year, some members pose with Josie s prized E320 wagon. Apparently a guy thing, Peter puzzles over the finer nuances of tailgate-opening mechanisms. As Josie finally shows how to open the tailgate, the guys quickly feign disinterest, and disperse. So you see, we don t just get together to eat. Impromptu technical sessions happen without notice! Sunshine Star Southwest Florida Section MBCA January/February

11 Classified: For Sale SL Lovingly restored to like new, many new components, starts easily, runs strong, A/C blows cold, straight, no-rust body, 2 tops, new black soft top. Anthracite grey/light grey interior, new seat covers, original carpeting and door panels. 135,000 miles. $6,500. Stan goodman1959@gmai.com SL 2 tops. Blue; Black Interior. 80K miles. Hard top and body good, interior good. Just serviced, including brakes. Car is in Naples. Looking for best offer. Ray Tibbitts, , crabtreellc@comcast.net 1995 E320 Cabriolet, Brilliant Emerald Green(269) exterior. Crème Beige leather interior (265). OEM Cylinder head gasket, engine wiring harness, combination switch and A/C evaporator replaced. Constant National, Regional and local MB concours winner. Current mileage 123K. No winters. vin # WDBEA66EOSC Pictures available. Make offer. Roy O. Kuck, Angola, NY. rojk67@msn.com SL Straw. Solid, runs strong. 2 tops. 54k miles. Car is in Bonita Springs FL. $5,500 obo. Call Ralph (239) The Naples-Marco Island Region of AACA will hold their annual Antique & Classic Car Show on March 22nd, 2014 at the Naples Depot location, 10th St. S. & 5th Ave. S., Naples. In addition to about 165 display cars, for the first time there will be a separate Car Corral for private "for sale" cars. There will be a fee of $40 for preregistered cars and $50 for "drive ins". As in past years, all monies raised will be donated to local good works, and we are proud to have surpassed the $100,000 mark in charitable donations in 26 years holding these shows. For more information contact: Harry Seluga, show chairman SL500, immaculate, sport AMG wheels, just 15,838 miles. Camel leather interior, more pictures available on request. Asking $22,000 Susann Miller susannart@aol.com Sunshine Star Southwest Florida Section MBCA January/February

12 Calendar of Upcoming Events of Interest to Our Members Southwest Florida Section, Mercedes-Benz Club of America DATE 2014 EVENTS CONTACT Jan. 25 Jan. 25 SWFL Section Breakfast Meeting at Perkins, Naples, 9:00 AM, and Ladies of Mercedes Baker Museum tour, Artis-Naples Anne Harruff Feb. 8 SWFL Section Breakfast Meeting at Mimi s Café, Ft. Myers, 8:30 AM Feb. 15 Feb. 22 Feb. 22 Cars on 5th SWFL Section Breakfast Meeting at Perkins, Naples, 9:00 AM, and Ladies of Mercedes Tea, Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort Anne Harruff Mar Amelia Island Concours, and SE Region Dinner Peter Blackford Mar. 8 SWFL Section Breakfast Meeting at Mimi s Café, Ft. Myers, 8:30 AM Mar. 22 SWFL Section Breakfast Meeting at Perkins, Naples, 9:00 AM Mar. 22 AACA Antique and Classic Car Show, Naples Depot Harry Seluga Saturday, March 29 MBCA Southeast Region Sections Gathering For the first time ever, members from the seven Southeast Sections are coming to Naples for an all-day and evening event. call Tom Harruff a.s.a.p. See detailed flyers April 5 Farewell Picnic at Lakes Park, Lee County. More information coming! There are so many reasons to become a member of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. For a nominal membership fee of $49 a year (U.S.) or $59 a year (Canada and International countries), Club members receive an impressive return on their annual investment. ~~ Some Member Benefits: The Star Magazine, Discounts on parts, service & accessories at participating Mercedes-Benz dealers and local shops, Loyalty Rewards Program, 15% discount on parts from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, Discounts at Brooks Brothers, Sears, MedJet Assist, Forums and Interest groups on the MBCA website, and... this great newsletter from your own Section! Call your Section Officer at , or our National Business Office at M-F 8am-5pm MT. Or visit Do We Have Your Current Address? The Club and our own Section use electronic communications and we our newsletters. So be sure to let the NBO know of any changes to your address to ensure up to date information with both the NBO and your Section. Contact Debbie Gonzales with your updates... Debbie@mbca.org or call Southwest Florida Section MBCA On The Web! and... Mercedes-Benz-Club-of- America/ Questions? Call your Section Officer at , or our National Business Office at M-F 8am-5pm MT. Or visit Sunshine Star Southwest Florida Section MBCA January/February

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